Proverbs 15:14 The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 

‘The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.’ A wise man seeks knowledge, but a fool feeds on foolishness.

We read in Philippians 1:9 that Paul admonishes that our love will abound yet more and more with the increase in God’s knowledge and His judgments. Knowledge of His Word is necessary for our growth and renewal of our minds, otherwise, the enemy will destroy our lives and faith in God (Eph. 6:10-18). Knowledge in God’s Word is never for self-gain in popularity or to use against others. It must be the light of the path you choose (6:23; Ps. 119:105) to enable you to do all to His glory (1 Cor. 10:31) and live a life with meaning.

‘Seeks knowledge’ – Four examples of seeking knowledge: Solomon (1Kin. 3:5-10; Pro. 19:8), the Queen of Sheba (1Kin. 10:1-29; Matt. 12:42), the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:28) and the Bereans (Acts 17:11).

The word fools means those who are perverse, those depending upon their own wisdom, which is foolishness to God (1:7; 12:15; 14:3, 9; 15:5; 27:22; cp. 1Cor. 1:20-25).

Proverbs 10:13-14 In the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 

‘But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.’ The rod is an instrument of knowledge if properly applied. Any form of consequence (as a rod) can open the ears of understanding for the righteous but not for the wicked (Isa. 26:9-10).

‘Wise men lay up knowledge.’ Practical holiness is shown to spring from truth and faith in God. One cannot grow into Christ, but he may grow in knowledge, experience, and fullness of grace benefits by being in Christ and walking in the light (Col. 1:23; 2:6-7; 3:1-17). Knowledge is also a true understanding of the fear of the Lord, the beginning of wisdom (Ps. 111:10; Pro. 1:7; 9:10; 15:33; Isa. 11:2; 1Cor. 12:8) and wise men will always exercise this truth in all their ways. Proverbs 28:5 states that they who seek the LORD understand all things.

It is God’s will that everyone comes to the knowledge of the truth (1Tim. 2:4; 2Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12). He gives knowledge to all who obey His commandments (Ps. 111:10; 119:66). To know God and His Word is more profitable to an individual than multiplied wealth (Ps. 119:72, 75). Man, following the example of the Messiah (Christ), learns that the true source of wisdom and knowledge is God and His Word (Ps. 119:97-104). To get to know God we have to study His Word (His words given to us in written form) – because it is the foundation of good judgment and knowledge (Ps. 119:66, 130).

‘A fool will repeat them everywhere and cause strife.’ A fool tries to force his knowledge on others – no matter how good, correct or righteous the knowledge is, strife will follow when knowledge is forced on anyone.